To be honest... this kind of excessive security is really not that surprising, knowing that Mr. Kirijo is one of the higher-ups. The guys in the combat gear give off the same intimidating aura as his subordinates back home had... well, with more guns.

Minako ignores the men and steps directly into the elevator. If she doesn't listen to the recorded voice's suggestion immediately, she definitely does as soon as the 'elevator' begins to plummet. She ends up flattened against the wall, clinging to the metal railing with both hands.